Not a running related topic, but I know from lurking around long enough that there are a few other civil engineers on the board who might have advice.
So I've been an engineer for seven years now (PE for the last three). Started out as a straight civil in water resources, and eventually moved into environmental consulting. I am currently a project manager, and manage about 2-5 other engineers (non-PEs) depending on the project. I have also recently gotten pretty involved in the business development side of the consultancy and some of the marketing. I have found that the new challenges of managing personnel and becoming increasingly involved in the business side (vs. technical side) of the business have really breathed new life into my career.
I'm considering (pretty much decided really) returning to school for an MBA. I have some graduate school already, but never finished my MSE due to lack of interest (work took presidence). I see myself (hopefully) moving into upper management in my company and largely abandoning the technical track. In the future I'd like to start my own consulting firm in the same field.
I'm interested if anyone out there has been in a similar position. What are the pros and cons of the degree? Are there alternative degree options I should consider? How important is the reputation of the school I attend (assuming all the schools I'm considering offer comparable curriculms)? How much should I consider spending on tuition (bear in mind I am already well paid - in excess of the average starting salary for the graduates of all but the top, top programs)? I must say I don't relish the idea having to make regular student loan payments again.
Thanks